HARDY FRUITS FOR SMALL GARDENS. 



139 



then tread it in firmly (not hard), and fill up the hole 

 slightly above the surrounding soil, as it will sink one or 

 two inches. 



vi. Put a strong stake to the tree, and be sure that the 

 way the two are fastened together is such as to make it 

 impossible for the stem of the tree to chafe itself against 

 the stake when the winds blow. The fastening of all trees 

 should be undone and retied every spring to prevent choking 

 the rise of the sap. A wisp of hay or straw, or a bit of old 

 sacking, should be placed round the stem to prevent the 

 string cutting into the bark ; and every spring, in retying, 

 it is as well to vary the spot slightly if possible, so as to 

 expose the previously covered up bark to the sun and air. 

 (See also page 164). 



vii. Protect the trees from rabbits, cattle, and sheep. 



It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of all the above 

 details of planting. 



If the natural soil is very poor, a little better garden soil may 

 be brought for the operation described in paragraph iv., shaking 

 it in amongst the roots just to give the tree a good start, but 

 no dung whatever should be used wider the ground, though a 

 thin layer over the surface when the planting is done will be 

 helpful. 



It is very important not to plant too deeply (hi.), especially 

 in wet or heavy land. In very wet land it is far safer to plant 

 the trees almost on the surface, and to mound the earth up to 

 and over the roots. 



It is very important to spread out all the roots down to the 

 smallest fibres (iv.), and none should be allowed to take a 

 directly downward direction. Let every one be duly spread out, 

 slanting very slightly, if at all, downwards from the point at 

 which they grow out of the stem. 



It is very important that the soil should not be left loose 

 about the stem and roots (v.), but firm treading does not mean 

 hard ramming. 



It is very important to fill up the hole 2 or 3 inches above 

 the level (v.), and not leave a hollow for stagnant water to fill. 



It is very important to stake the tree (vi.) firmly, so that the 

 roots are not strained by the wind ; but better not stake at all 



